Sardar Azmoun, Iran’s second-highest international goal scorer, was excluded from coach Amir Ghalenoei’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup announced around May 16 [1, 2, 3]. Azmoun, 31, has scored 57 goals in 91 appearances and featured in the past two World Cups [3].
Iran's state news agency IRNA said Azmoun was dropped due to injury [1, 2, 3]. However, media reports dating back to March said he was expelled from the national team after posting a photo with Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which sparked controversy given Iran’s ongoing conflict involving airstrikes on the United Arab Emirates, where Azmoun plays club football [1, 2, 3].
Azmoun is part of Iran's Turkmen ethnic minority and has previously rejected financial offers to play for other countries, affirming his loyalty to Iran [1, 2, 3]. In a message posted on social media on May 20 or 21, Azmoun said, "I want to speak from the bottom of my heart about some things that many people may not know, or about certain misunderstandings that may have led some to judge me too quickly" [1]. He added, "I have always played for my national team with pride. When we won, I was proud of myself and my teammates. When we didn't, I was more upset than anyone else in the world, just like them" [3]. Azmoun further stated, "My answer was this: 'I am a son of Iran, and I want to play for my people and make them happy'" and wished success for the team, coaching staff, and captain Amir Khan at the World Cup [1, 3].
Iran’s squad is currently training in Turkey and will move to their tournament base in the United States during the first week of June ahead of the World Cup [1, 2].
